Eesti Riiklik Teatriinstituut 1946-1951 : ühe kooli lugu

The Eesti Riiklik Teatriinstituut was established in 1946, and its first cohort began studies at the Draamastuudio, which had previously operated in the premises of the Draamateater. Founded in the difficult post-war period, the theatre school was forced to operate at the height of Stalinist repressions, during which several faculty members and some students came under persecution. The school was closed following the 8th Plenum of the EKP in 1950; the third cohort completed its studies in 1951 under the conservatory. Priit Põldroos became the director of the school, and the faculty included Leo Kalmet, Kaarli Aluoja, Felix Moor, Helmi Tohvelman, Alber Üksip, and Ants Lauter. The Theatre Institute graduated three cohorts, and among its more prominent graduates were Heikki Haravee, Jüri Järvet, Gunnar Kilgas, Einari Koppel, Leida Laius, Linda Rummo, Eino Baskin, Lembit Eelmäe, Kuno Süvalep, and others.